Arlington, VA – March 4, 2020 – Meals on Wheels America commends the Senate for unanimously passing H.R. 4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020. This bipartisan compromise is the result of months of negotiations and hard work in both chambers and is a testament to the key committee’s leadership and commitment to our nation’s older adults and their caregivers. H.R. 4334 would reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – the primary piece of legislation supporting nutrition and social services for individuals age 60+ – for five more years and enhance support to the more than 5,000 community-based nutrition programs across the country that serve as a lifeline to millions of older adults and reduce senior hunger and isolation. This latest action and legislative milestone is particularly fitting as we celebrate the anniversary of the law that amended the OAA of 1965 and established the national nutrition program for seniors. Again, we thank the Senate for passing this vital legislation and urge the House to swiftly follow suit. Doing so will help to ensure that Meals on Wheels programs, many of whom have a documented waiting list for meals, receive the resources and support needed to close service gaps while continuing to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly growing older adult population
Read our January 30 press statement and letter of support on this legislation here.
Read our March 4 letter to House Leadership urging passage here.
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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Press Contact:
Meals on Wheels America
Jenny Young, 571-339-1603
press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org